If you cut all your squares at 3.5” instead of 2” it yields a block that will finish at 6”……I made 4 blocks and joined them so the 12” block will fit in with the others in my sampler quilt……

The photo doesn’t show it very well, but the middle bit of each tie is kind of puffy and sits up nicely…..

Also made two sample blocks for the Dollar Block program that kicks off next week......just give a call if you'd like to be a "Dollar Blocker"......$12 for the whole year.....one block pattern each month and come December, you'll have made 12 blocks for that really special someone's Christmas gift quilt!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I was surprised to receive some back-ordered fabric last week as I thought I cancelled all my back orders when we closed the shop….never mind……we’ll sell it at bargain prices…. you can order from us by email to cowbellespatchwork@bigpond.com or by phone on 0437 200 888

The first piece is a really cute play mat panel for the little men in your lives….just pop it on some wadding and backing and quilt lightly (or just tie it!) They’ll play for hours with their matchbox cars among the brightly coloured pictures of “big boys toys” and roads.

The panel is a good size at 36” x 45” and each will cost $15.

The other one is a funk-adelic 60’s inspired black and white swirl that’s only $15 / metre.

I’ve been designing and sewing again lately preparing for classes next year – I’d almost forgotten how good sewing is for your soul! Here’s my new “Barrel Bag” on the clothesline this morning. It’s 9” high x 9” wide x 18” long…..a really handy size. The pattern is for sale by post at $15 + postage OR by download for only $10 (as a pdf attachment to an email)

Couldn’t resist a shot of my new hippeastrum flowers while I was downstairs…..

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Despite no longer having a "bricks and mortar" quilt shop, I couldn't resist selling the "Easy Angler 2". I have one on my machine and just love it! I'm finding that it reduces my piecing time significantly.

It's a clear piece of rigid plastic that you attach to the bed of your sewing machine. It eliminates the need to draw lines on the back of squares when you're making half square triangles and flying geese. It will also improve your quarter inch seam accuracy and makes mitre-ing seams easier too.

Despite the flooding, most of us were able to make it to Bell for Judy’s “Going Crazy” class. We all had a lovely time and learnt lots from her, as always. Here’s one of her many inspiring sample quilts.

And here’s a shot of the class in full swing…..note the recently painted walls and the paintings on display at the front of the room.

The Bell Art Group, now trading as “Bluebelles”, are settling in to the old “Cowbelles” building and it’s worth popping in to have a look at their works on show – I brought home one of Cath McClelland’s paintings – a gorgeous one of the Bunyas with some golden crop in the foreground. You can see more of her works at http://www.cathymcclelland.com.au/

Photos below of the “show and tell” that some of the girls brought along. First up is Shelley’s Twisted Bargello from a class here earlier this year.

Then her Mariner’s Compass from our class with Lessa Siegele last year…..

Jana’s Figure Eight Bargello from our class in Term 2…..

And her 2010 Mystery Quilt :

Then one of Jan’s from Judy’s “Quilts on the Double” class here in 2008.

And another one….what fantastic border fabric!!!!!

Then her “Instant Bargello” based on a panel of birds….

And Dianne’s “Instant Bargello”….love those prairie points!!!

Another of Dianne’s…

Lastly, my bargello – finally quilted!!!!!

Apologies to everyone else who brought show and tell….the photos were all blurry and not useable.

If you were a student in Judy’s class, please email me photos of your quilts to post here.

Please remember that Tuesday’s at “Bluebelles” is still “Anything Goes” for sewers from 9 til 3 in the classroom/gallery. You’re all welcome at no charge with morning tea and lunch available for purchase.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

It’s official….. Cowbelles, as you know it, is changing……the coffee shop will remain, the fabric will all go (hopefully), the Art Group are excited about moving in to exhibit their works AND Tuesday sewing will continue as normal (except for two weeks off for the back room to be painted!)

Thanks to everyone….it’s been a great six years!!!!!

In an attempt to help clear the fabric, I took photos of what’s left and they’re following ……..all are 40% off…… sale ends 3pm September 10. We'r open 9am - 3pm every day until then (EVEN SUNDAY'S!!!) If you can't get in, you can order by phone on 07 4663 1193 or email to cowbellespatchwork@bigpond.com …